Residents in the Desert Southwest are set to experience a variety of weather changes this week due to a low pressure system, according to reports. The system is expected to bring gusty winds and cooler temperatures across the region. Northwest Arizona, particularly Mohave County, has been issued a Wind Advisory with gusts up to 45 mph. Lakes Mead and Mohave will also face windy conditions with a Lake Wind Advisory in effect from 10 AM to 7 PM. This information comes courtesy of the National Weather Service - Las Vegas Weather Forecast.
Temperatures are predicted to fall 8-12 degrees below normal by Thursday and Friday, offering a brief respite into early fall-like weather. The Owens Valley and Esmeralda County will continue to experience reduced air quality as smoke from the Garnet Fire impacts visibility. However, it was noted that the smoke appears less dense than in previous days, hopefully indicating a downward trend. The NWS expects the smoke conditions to persist each night until a northwesterly flow sets in by Friday to help clear the air.
As for aviation forecasts, Harry Reid is slated to have south to southwest winds for most of the day, with gusts potentially reaching 25-30kts between 22z-02z. VFR and dry conditions are anticipated to prevail throughout the period. The rest of southern Nevada, along with areas in northwest Arizona and southeast California, may see visibility reduced down to 5SM or less due to smoke from the wildfires, although conditions should improve after 18Z when southeast winds return.
While flights might be affected by shifting winds, the weather service has predicted conditions conducive to safe travel in the broader region. Thunderstorms are a slight possibility in the Sierra this afternoon, but no impacts near KBIH are expected. Spotters have been asked to report any significant weather or impacts as they occur, as mentioned by the NWS. The statement adds that the south to southwest winds return later this morning through the afternoon with gusts 20-25KT across the region through 03z with winds then decreasing to less than 10KT overnight.
